Long Beach detectives renew search for sex assault suspect

Long Beach police officers are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect who has assaulted females walking in the Fourth Street and Alamitos Avenue area. The suspect is shown in this still image from a surveillance video in April.

Explorer Kayla Zamora gives a flyer to Darlyn White and her son Darnell, 12, as they discuss the sexual assault suspect in the neighborhood. (Brittany Murray / Press Telgram)

Long Beach police investigators fear a brazen bicyclist, who they believe is responsible for at least 33 groping attacks in the past year, may become more aggressive if not nabbed.

“There is always the fear the attacks can become more violent,” Sgt. Gail Dennison said.

Females ranging from 12 to 60 years old have been groped by the man since September 2012 in the Fourth Street and Alamitos Avenue area. The most recent attack took place Monday at Seventh Street and Redondo Avenue.

Police officers, Explorers and Search and Rescue members on Friday passed out fliers that asked for the public’s help in identifying the man.

“The suspect rides up alongside the victims and grabs either their buttocks or breasts over their clothes,” said Dennison during a news conference on Friday near Alamitos and Fifth Street.

Most of the attacks have taken place between 2 and 10 p.m., and it appears the suspect travels the same routes.

At least four of the victims were minors.

“Of course it worries me, but I feel pretty safe,” Long Beach resident Myra Rodriguez said Friday morning as she walked with her two young sons.

“But it’s still scary.”

Detectives have released video surveillance footage of the suspected attacker by using the Police Department’s Common Operating Picture technology. The system uses real-time camera feeds around the city to give more emergency information to public safety officials.

“We encourage people to take a look at the video, even though it may be grainy, they may recognize this person’s mannerism,” Dennison said.

Police had previously released information about the suspect in early December. The attention seemed to stop the man for a short period time, but the incidents resumed in January.

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The bicyclist is described as white or Hispanic, is 5 feet 6 inches to 6 feet tall, weighs about 180 to 240 pounds and has gray and black hair. He is from 35 to 45 years old, according to victims.

Officers are asking for any victims who may have not reported similar crimes to come forward.

Victims who have not filed a report with police or people who have information relating to this investigation can call Detective Louis Galvan at 562-570-6407.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 800-222-TIPS, sending a tip to CRIMES (274637) or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.